Basic Fruit Buckle

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup milk

For the Fruit Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., berries, peaches, apples - peeled and diced)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Directions

1.  Prepare the Fruit Filling:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized baking pan.

• In a bowl, combine the fruit with lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly. Set aside.

2.  Make the Streusel Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar.

• Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3.  Prepare the Cake Batter:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4.  Combine the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.

5.  Assemble the Buckle:

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

6.  Fold in the Fruit:

• Gently fold the prepared fruit into the batter, being careful not to overmix.

7.  Bake the Buckle:

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

8.  Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9.  Cool and Serve:

• Allow the buckle to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.